http://frankocean.tumblr.com/post/26473798723
On the 4th of July Frank Ocean, one of the most
talented singer-songwriters of our generation, opened up to the world about his
sexuality. For those who haven’t heard about it or seen the post, he released a
tense journal entry that explains how his first love was a man. This was a week
before he released his fantastic new album. Publicity stunt or not, it was a
brave revelation to a scary and homophobic world.
What impresses me most about this “coming out” is that it is
impossible to turn it into a Hollywood Extra sound byte: “FRANK OCEAN, GAY,” because
that’s not what his story is saying. It is a glimpse into an exploration of
feelings, fears, love and sexuality. We love to pigeonhole people into our
premade and prepackaged categories (gay, straight, bisexual). We don’t allow
ourselves to investigate and understand our wants and desires, our hearts. We
feel uneasy and ashamed when we admit to ourselves an attraction that isn’t
understood or accepted by society (or by the ones closest to us).
Listening to Channel Orange, the new album, in conjunction
with reading Frank’s post and working through my current emotional state of
insecurity and confusion, has reminded me that finding a way to express
yourself and connect with your emotions is an important exercise. Especially
when you’re at your lowest, when things are at their worst. When beauty loses
it’s effect and colors aren’t as bright.
So, I write in solidarity with Frank today. I understand how
hard it is to lay out your fears and your heartache, to not keep them locked up
and away from everyone you know and love. I consider this blog and the songs
that I occasionally post revelations similar to the one Frank posted. Welcome
to show and tell.
As I said in my last post, the time I’m spending in Egypt
hasn’t been the easiest. I’ve been torn up and thrown away, picked up and moved
to an unfamiliar place, trapped and forced to deal with a broken heart that hasn’t
even finished breaking, all without the help of my loved ones. However, since
the last time I posted, a barren desert landscape is no longer the only thing
that has struck my attention and demanded my recognition. Frank Ocean now has,
too. His bravery, and his talent, is an inspiration. Beauty is slowly working
its way back into my life, and that makes me optimistic about my future here in
Egypt and excited for what I’ll discover. What I’ll learn about my world and
myself. What I'll create. Hope this one doesn’t make you guys worry as much as the last one might
have <3.
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